Also known as the Groodle, the Goldendoodle ranges in size from small to large, depending on the variant of Poodle that the Golden Retriever is crossed with. Originally bred as a larger alternative to the already popular designer breed known as the Cockapoo, the Goldendoodle has proven to be an excellent family dog.
They're also versatile working dogs. Goldendoodles have achieved success as guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and sniffer dogs (one study tested their success at sniffing out peanuts in foods for owners with nut allergies). Goldendoodles have also done well in agility.
The Goldendoodle is an affectionate and gentle dog that has gained popularity since it was first developed in the 1990s.
Goldendoodles are usually highly social and get along well with everyone. They don't do well in any type of guarding or watchdog role and should not be used in that capacity. They can thrive in both city and country settings, but they're not well suited to apartment living, since they do better with the space provided by a fenced yard. Goldendoodles should not live outside or in a kennel, however, since they thrive when they are in contact with the people they love.
Goldendoodles can be very easy to train and are a good match for first-time or timid owners. They're not known to have any aggressive traits, but they do need proper socialization to avoid any shyness or fearfulness. Goldendoodles also need daily contact with their owners; they'll suffer from separation anxiety if they're left for too long.
The best way to avoid any destructive behaviour is to crate them and to provide toys and treats to keep them busy throughout the day. Keeping the radio on when you're out is another great way to keep them happy.
Goldendoodles are considered to be non- to light shedders and may be a good match for people with allergies. They do require weekly or biweekly brushing, and many owners opt to have them clipped.
They make excellent family dogs and provide gentle, intelligent companionship throughout their lifetimes.
History
The Goldendoodle is considered to be one of the newest of the "Doodle," or Poodle mix, breeds. Breeding began in the 1990s after both the Cockapoo and the Labradoodle gained footholds. The theory behind the Goldendoodle's development was to create a larger Doodle that maintained the desired low-dander, low-shedding coat and that possessed the intelligent and friendly nature of the Golden Retriever.
Size
Goldendoodles vary in size. The Goldendoodle tends to come in three different sizes: Miniature, Small Standard, and Large Standard.
The Miniature Goldendoodle is the result of a Miniature or Toy Poodle crossed with a Golden Retriever. These dogs tend to range in size from 13 to 20 inches in height and 15 to 35 pounds in weight.
The average height for a Small Standard Goldendoodle is 17 to 20 inches; the weight is 40 to 50 pounds.
The Large Standard Goldendoodle averages 20 to 24 inches in height and weighs 50 to 90 pounds.
Personality
The Goldendoodle has not become popular for lack of good reason. His positive personality traits are numerous — they endear themself to everyone they meet with its friendly, intelligent, accepting nature.
Usually highly affectionate, it's gentle and patient and makes a wonderful family companion, especially since it actively enjoys human company. They are loyal and, with proper training, can be highly obedient. They do have a playful side and can be mischievous if the mood hits.
Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Choose the middle-of-the-road puppy, not the one who's beating up his littermates or the one who's hiding in the corner.
Always meet at least one of the parents — usually, the mother is the one who's available — to ensure that they have nice temperaments that you're comfortable with. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when they grow up.
Like every dog, the Goldendoodle needs early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when they're young. Socialization helps ensure that your Goldendoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.
Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking them to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbours will also help them polish their social skills.
Care
The Goldendoodle can be easy to train. Intelligent, they are usually eager to please — a perfect combination for either first-time trainers or experienced trainers. They should be trained with positive reinforcement since harsh corrections could damage their confidence.
Socialization is important for all breeds, but for a gentle dog like the Goldendoodle, it can be instrumental in discouraging any shyness or timidity.
The Goldendoodle has an average energy level and will require daily exercise through walks or a good romp in the backyard. Generally speaking, 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise will be enough to keep a Goldendoodle from becoming bored. They are known for their love of water, so swimming provides another opportunity for appropriate exercise.
Since the Goldendoodle may grow large, they require room to move. They are not recommended for apartments but should have a home with some type of fenced yard. It is not an ideal pet for outdoor or kennel living, since they thrive when they are with their family, so owners should expect to keep them primarily in the house.
The Goldendoodle can also suffer from separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviour, if they are left alone for long periods at a time.
Feeding
Recommended daily amount: 1 to 4 cups (depending on adult size) of high-quality dry food a day, divided into multiple meals.
NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl.
Keep your Goldendoodle in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. If you're unsure whether they are overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, it needs less food and more exercise.
A Goldendoodle should also be fed several small meals per day instead of one large one.
Coat Color And Grooming
The Goldendoodle should have a wavy to curly coat of about two to three inches in length. They have long hair on the tail, body, ears, and legs (legs may be slightly feathered); the hair on the head and muzzle tends to be shorter.
The coat can be black, copper, white, cream, gray, golden, apricot, or red, although golden seems to be the common coat colour. White can often be found on the feathering, and the Goldendoodle's coat tends to lighten with age.
Although they are considered a non- to light shedder, the Goldendoodle still requires some grooming to keep his coat in the best shape possible. Owners generally opt to clip the coat for easier maintenance; but if you choose to leave it in its natural state, expect to brush it about once every week or two. If it is clipped, it will still need a good brushing every few weeks.
The Goldendoodle requires a bath only when it's absolutely necessary, or his coat and skin will lose necessary oils and moisture.
Brush your Goldendoodle's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath.
Trim nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. So, if you're not experienced trimming dog nails, ask a vet or groomer for pointers.
His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. When you check your dog's ears, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Don't insert anything into the ear canal; just clean the outer ear.
Begin accustoming your Goldendoodle to being brushed and examined when it's a puppy. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you'll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and another handling when it's an adult.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Children And Other Pets
The Goldendoodle makes a wonderful family pet, especially if his nature takes after the Golden Retriever parent. It is likely to be highly patient and gentle and to get along well with children of all ages.
As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while it is eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog's food away. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child.
They do well in homes with other dogs and pets and doesn't actively show aggression toward other animals. Of course, as with all dogs, it's important to properly socialize your Goldendoodle from puppyhood.
